I often wake up the day after a rugby game and lie in my bed wondering what just happened the day before. Sometimes when I can't move my neck or my legs, I also wonder why I do something that seems so against all of my instincts (to run away from pain), yet I continue to play! I really don't know what that's all about. Anyway, here is a small sampling of some thoughts that run through my head during the game itself:

1. Literally what am I about to get into when the whistle blows.

2. What are the rules of rugby? I don’t think I’m clear on the majority of them.

3. Wow, it’s really hot out today and I can’t wait to get slammed to the ground multiple times in this heat.

4. This jersey is too tight.

5. My hair looked so good before the game and I’m already sad about how it’s going to look afterwards.

6. My mouth guard is in its correct position for about five percent of the total game time.

7. I hope my eye black stays on.

8. I forgot my eye black was on and wiped my face so it’s gone anyways.

9. There’s my mom in the stands! Don’t worry, I’m okay! For now!

10. Why am I doing this?

11. Can I get an IV of straight up water?

12. I should lift weights more often.

13. I don’t know how I feel about sliding all over this abrasive turf.

14. There are little turf tire pellets in my mouth, my hair, my mouth guard, my eyes, my cleats and basically everywhere.

15. Who came up with this sport?

16. I am actually suffocating in this jersey still.

17. I can’t wait to go to the trainer and get some ice for both knees when the final whistle blows.

18. Is it halftime yet?

19. It’s gotta be close to the end of the game, right?

20. Another scrum! Lit.

21. I’m glad I wasn’t on the receiving end of that hit, wow!

22. Oh no, I became the receiving end of a hit and I’m stuck underneath a pile of sharp cleats.

23. Oh, God.

24. My neck hurts.

25. I wonder if that’s my blood or someone else’s blood on me.

26. Some people do this professionally. God bless them.

27. A girl is coming straight at me and I am easily half the size of her.

28. Well, it looks like I’m the only one around.

29. Here I go, getting ready for the tackle.

30. Unfortunately, I’ve been run over completely by the girl and she now is on her way to scoring while I’m lying flat on my back and looking at the sky and crying just a little bit.

31. Crying is for losers.

32. I may take a loss and be a loser today because that one hurt.

33. No, I’m fine. Let’s go!

34. I wonder how many times my face has hit the ground today.

35. I wonder if my face is okay.

36. I guess I’ll just get ice for my face later in addition to the ice I already planned on.

37. Football without pads- who would’ve thought that would be a part of my life.

38. I am crazy.

39. I am insane.

40. We still have how many minutes left? You’re kidding.

41. I am so, so, so very exhausted.

42. My legs are numb and I’m just hoping I run in the right direction.

43. I can’t wait to wake up and be immobile tomorrow.

44. What is rugby?

45. She did not just pull my hair…

46. I am crying.

47. I will get through this.

48. But really, hair pulling is not fair and I think it is cruel and unusual punishment.

49. Odds that I’ll make it unscathed to the end of the game?

50. Odds that I’ll make it to the end of the game in any way for that matter?

51. I love getting stepped on!

52. I wonder if this is a scratch or a bruise. Maybe it’s both!

53. Pain makes you stronger, am I right?

54. I really love and appreciate my team.

55.I really love those opponents that feel the same way as I do and help me up after tackling me with the same eye roll that I think permanently remains on my face during games.

56.Sports are weird.

57.Rugby is weird.

58.The game is over!

59.I’m going to take a nap for the next 12 hours.

60.Rugby is rough and games make me feel like I’ve been thrown out the window of a moving car but for some reason it’s still fun. How?!